I was so excited to get my first basket. Pick up is easy with many convenient locations. I chose Deereco Road in Timonium. I arrived to find a smiling face greeting me and presenting me with

Credit: Downtown Diane

some of the most beautiful produce and other delectable offerings. Baskets are different each week. This week I also received milk, cheese, fish and sandwich steaks. Their web site will let you know what is in the basket that week, and they can be ordered for two or four people.

I ended up grilling the fresh corn on the cob, sandwich steaks and fish. I broiled the fresh peppers, string beans, onions & carrots on low with EVOO and served the baguette and fresh Maryland tomatoes on the side. Watermelon & Tiny Plums were dessert. Dinner was a hit with everyone!

I can’t wait to receive my next order this week. Check out all the details at www.friendsandfarms.com. Give it a try, and let me know what you create!

The Yellow Party Is Thursday!

See you there with Ryan and Beccy Hunter-Reay and Grand Prix of Baltimore drivers. The event is presented by R2integrated, The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, LIVESTRONG & Racing for Cancer. It includes a cocktail reception, passed hors d’ouerves, driver appearances, silent & live auctions and a view of the Grand Prix of Baltimore track! Dress code: business casual. Go to www.yellowpartybaltimore.com for more info and tickets.

Funny man Darrell Hammond

Magooby’s Joke House in Timonium

Sept. 6-8

A regular on Saturday Night Live from 1995 -2009 and holding the record for longest tenure as an SNL cast member, Hammond has impersonated more than 107 celebrities with former President Bill Clinton as his most frequent impression! Don’t miss him in Baltimore. For tickets & show times: http://magoobys.com/show.cfm?id=183203

McCormick Spices World of Flavors Opens This Week at Harborplace

Light Street Pavilion

This new retail destination, first of its kind, features McCormick’s range of products from the U.S. and other countries. There will be interactive displays including, “Guess That Spice,” “FlavorPrint” and “Flavors in the Making.” Also, there will be an exclusive McCormick World of Flavors product line available.

Maryland’s most unique and exciting experience for food enthusiasts! More than 30 of Baltimore’s most talented chefs will partner with local farms to create innovative recipes. Enjoy top mixologists from The Baltimore Bartenders Guild, serving innovative and unique libations using premium quality spirits in addition to premium Maryland wines. Get full details and ticket info: www.farmtochefmd.com

Credit: OysterFest

Ryleigh’s Oyster Fest Tickets Now On Sale

It’s an oyster lover’s dream! The weekend begins with Oyster Ball on Thursday and then a full Oyster Fest block party in Federal Hill on Saturday and Sunday.

What better way to stay cool then with a nice, cold Leinie? Daily specials, including Ladies Night and Big Barrel Wednesdays, have made this quite the go-to place this summer. Daily specials include Orioles home game specials. www.leiniebeergarden.com/?page=calendar

Joe Squared Power Plant LIVE

Dine in or dine on their patio. Or you can also phone in your order, and someone will bring it to your car to take home. How perfect is that? I love the daily happy hours, including half price beer Mondays and half price rum Thursdays. Also, there is free music and weekly creative food specials. Check it all out here: www.joesquared.com

Ra Sushi So Long Summer Party

So sad summer is almost over. Where did it go? Well, get happy at Ra Sushi Harbor East on Thursday, Sept. 13 with drink specials, summer-themed food specials & a DJ. Go to www.facebook.com/events/419837801386732 for full details.

The Restaurant Association Of Maryland

Dine Out, Maryland!

During September, diners will enjoy a 20 percent discount at participating RAM member restaurants with a chance to win fabulous prizes, including $100 worth of restaurant gift certificates every week for a year! Go to http://dineoutmaryland.com for all the details and participants.

Enjoy Maryland wine tastings, live music, foods from local restaurants, arts & crafts and wine education seminars. Don’t miss the presentation of the Governor’s Cup Awards announcements on stage each day of the festival. Go to www.marylandwinefestival.org/ for ticket info and schedule of events.

Mingle with gridiron greats for a fab cause. Enjoy sumptuous cuisine and cocktails at VIP reception from Miguel’s. At the main event enjoy exquisite food, wine and cocktails from the Four Seasons. Event includes live music, raffles and auction.

Baltimore Hockey Classic brings professional hockey back to the heart of Charm City, as the star-studded Washington Capitals skate with the Columbus Blue Jackets in exciting, fast-paced NHL action. Go to www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets and www.BHC2012.com for additional information.

Musicians and bands from the 70s and 80s jam for one night to benefit critically ill children. Get ready to party when popular cover bands like the KISS cover band, Cold Gin, the Bon Jovi tribute band, Bad Medicine, the AC/DC tribute band, High Voltage and others jam together for the 10th Anniversary Rock and Roll Bash.

Downtown Diane is a Baltimore area food, travel & entertainment reporter, appearing Fridays on 105.7 The Fan Norris & Davis Show with her entertainment report. Follow her for Daily Dish on Twitter @DowntownDiane & check out upcoming events at www.DowntownDiane.net.